sousaphone

noun

sou·​sa·​phone ˈsü-zə-ˌfōn How to pronounce sousaphone (audio)
-sə-
: a large circular tuba that has a flared adjustable bell compare helicon

Illustration of sousaphone

Illustration of sousaphone

Examples of sousaphone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Jack, who played the sousaphone, recalled how the band would march down the street from the school to Caroline Coleman Stadium, the site of home football games, and neighbors would pour out of their homes to watch. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024 On a recent Friday in June, the sounds of the sousaphone, trumpet, trombone, saxophone and drums reverberated through a streetcar rolling through Kansas City’s River Market. Hg Biggs, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2024 Jim Roberts on banjo and Andrew Hitz on sousaphone (a later instrumental addition to the score) were also highlights of the evening. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 One Oakton student owned a guitar, so the band leaned on that instrument and the sousaphones to play the songs’ bass. Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sousaphone 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sousaphone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

John Philip Sousa

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sousaphone was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near sousaphone

Cite this Entry

“Sousaphone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sousaphone. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

sousaphone

noun
sou·​sa·​phone ˈsü-zə-ˌfōn How to pronounce sousaphone (audio)
: a large circular tuba that goes over the player's shoulder and has a wide bell that faces forward
Etymology

named for John Philip Sousa 1854–1932 American band leader and composer

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